Who is the Most Likely Player to Win the Next Ballon d'Or?
Every football fan around the world is eagerly anticipating the announcement of the Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious individual award in world football. Based on performances from the past year and the trophies won by the players, several key names stand out:
#10: Federico Chiesa, Juventus
Federico Chiesa, Juventus' star forward, finished 17th last year with 14 goals and five assists, winning the Euro 2020, Coppa Italia, and Supercoppa Italiana. His excellent performances in the semi-final and final of Euro 2020, especially despite Roberto Mancini’s initial decision to leave him out of the Italian national team for the first two group games, have firmly established him as a top performer. He heads back to Turin as a national hero and a potential successor to Cristiano Ronaldo as the team's talisman.
#9: Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund
Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund's striking force, was 9th last year with 25 goals and nine assists, securing the DFB-Pokal. It is likely that his early-year performances were overshadowed by international tournaments like Euro 2020 and Copa America. However, if the Norwegian player begins the new campaign in red-hot form, he can expect a top 10 finish in the Ballon d'Or race.
#8: Cristiano Ronaldo, Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo, Juventus' talisman, ranked 7th last year with 27 goals and four assists, winning the Coppa Italia. His absence from the Euro 2020 as a key player for Portugal likely dampened his spirits. The identity of the next Ballon d'Or winner looms large, and his mood will likely reflect the outcomes he can achieve this year.
#7: Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City's creative midfielder, finished 6th last year with 10 goals and 10 assists, securing the Premier League and Carabao Cup. Despite his consistent performances, there were no individual awards planned for him. His contributions were significant, but the PFA Player of the Year prize was out of reach this year.
#6: Kylian Mbappé, Paris Saint-Germain
Kylian Mbappé, the star of Paris Saint-Germain, was 5th last year with 29 goals and seven assists, winning the Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions. Despite his memorable performances in the Champions League, his lack of major trophies puts him out of contention for a Ballon d'Or podium spot, which would be a significant achievement for the PSG forward.
#5: Romelu Lukaku, Inter
Romelu Lukaku, Inter's striker, was 4th last year with 22 goals and seven assists, winning the Serie A. His performance has been strong, and he still has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or podium, especially if he leads Belgium to glory at the Nations League finals in October. However, another year without the ultimate individual award seems likely.
#4: N'Golo Kante, Chelsea
N'Golo Kante, Chelsea's versatile midfielder, was 3rd last year with one assist and a Champions League win. His Man-of-the-Match performances in the latter stages of the Champions League might secure him a top-three spot, but currently, he seems like an outsider looking in at the Ballon d'Or podium.
#3: Jorginho, Chelsea
Jorginho, Chelsea's midfielder, came 15th last year with five goals and two assists, winning Euros 2020 and the Champions League. While he was not the best player in Chelsea’s run to the Champions League, nor in Italy’s Euro 2020 victory, his contributions played a key role. Despite Luka Modric's influence on the game, Jorginho has a real shot at making the podium now.
#2: Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich
Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich's striker, was 2nd last year with 34 goals and four assists, winning the Bundesliga and the Club World Cup. As the player who enjoyed the best individual season in Europe’s top leagues, the Golden Shoe winner should secure a place on the Ballon d'Or podium, especially as other top contenders struggled to match his performance.
#1: Lionel Messi, Unattached
Lionel Messi, the world's most recognizable and feared player, was 1st last year with 33 goals and 14 assists, winning the Copa America and being named Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot winner. The moment fans have been waiting the best part of 15 years for finally came as Messi received the Copa America. His club form in 2021 carried through into the international arena, and Ballon d'Or number seven is surely on its way in December.